The present invention provides peptides and peptide-conjugates that bind to α.sub.vβ.sub.6 integrin. The peptide-conjugates can be used for a variety of imaging and therapeutic applications. Methods of use and peptide optimization are also provided herein.

The present invention provides bi-terminal PEGylated peptide conjugates that target an integrin such as α.sub.vβ.sub.6 integrin. In particular embodiments, the peptide conjugates of the present invention further comprise a biological agent such as an imaging agent or a therapeutic agent, e.g., covalently attached to one of the PEG moieties. The peptide conjugates of the present invention are particularly useful for imaging a tumor, organ, or tissue and for treating integrin-mediated diseases and disorders such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, chronic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung emphysema, and chronic wounding skin disease. Compositions and kits containing the peptide conjugates of the present invention find utility in a wide range of applications including, e.g., in vivo imaging and immunotherapy.

The present disclosure provides peptides that inhibit a binding interaction between a β integrin and a G protein subunit, as well as compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, particularly nanoparticle compositions, comprising the same and to methods of using the peptides to treat atherosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke, heart attack, inflammation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), autoimmune diseases, AV Fistula for hemodialysis or organ transplantation.

The disclosure relates to integrin binding peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides and to uses thereof as therapeutic, diagnostic, imaging and targeting agents.

Described herein are muscle-specific targeting moieties and compositions including the muscle specific targeting motifs. Also described herein are uses of the muscle-specific targeting motifs and compositions including the muscle specific targeting moieties. In some embodiments, the muscle-specific targeting moieties and compositions including the muscle specific targeting moieties can be used to direct delivery of a cargo to a muscle cell.

The present disclosure relates to chimeric engulfment receptor molecules, host cells modified to include the phagocytic engulfment molecules, and methods of making and using such receptor molecules and modified cells.

The present application relates to compounds which are integrin antagonists. Methods of preparing the integrin antagonists and methods of treating diseases and disorders associated with abnormal levels and/or expression of one or more integrins are also provided.

The present application relates to polypeptides which are integrin antagonists. Methods of preparing the integrin antagonists and methods of treating diseases and disorders associated with abnormal levels and/or expression of one or more integrins are also provided.

Provided herein are methods for detecting, monitoring, diagnosing and treating respiratory-related viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and subjects that are infected with or suspected of having been infected with the virus, or that have come in contact with COVID-19 suffering individuals.

The present invention in various aspects and embodiments involves pharmaceutical compositions prepared by contacting a candidate α- or β-integrin-binding molecule, or panel thereof, with an integrin heterodimer, and quantifying heterodimer disruption by the candidate molecule. An integrin-binding molecule, or derivative thereof, that disrupts the integrin heterodimer is selected and is formulated into a pharmaceutical composition for administration to a subject, e.g., who has a disease or disorder related to abnormal vascularization.